Art museum: Haugar, Tønsberg, Norway

Haugar Museum of Art is located in my home town of Tønsberg. The museum is one of my favorite go-tos on Sunday walks, situated at a hill in the middle of the town. Not to mention their excellent cafe.

Haugar Kunstmuseum stands out as a significant cultural institution. With a focus on contemporary art, the museum offers a vibrant platform for both established and emerging artists. Designed by the architectural firm Jarmund/Vigsnæs, the museum features an open and inviting space that encourages exploration and reflection. The museum's collection emphasizes Norwegian contemporary art, featuring a diverse array of paintings, sculptures, photography, and installations. Exhibitions change regularly, ensuring that each visit offers something new. In addition to its permanent collection, Haugar hosts temporary exhibitions that highlight current themes and artists, allowing visitors to discover fresh talents and artistic movements.

Visited: Multiple

Favorite exhibitions:

• Lars Lerin, 2017

• Harriton Pushwagner, 2012

• Peter Callesen, 2011

 

Art museum: Guggenheim, New York, USA

Nestled along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum stands as a beacon of modern art and innovative architecture. Since its opening in 1959, the Guggenheim has captivated millions of visitors with its unique design and impressive art collection, solidifying its status as one of New York City’s most beloved cultural institutions.

The Guggenheim’s collection is a testament to the evolution of modern and contemporary art. Visitors can find works by some of the most influential artists of the 20th century, including Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, and Jackson Pollock. The museum also regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, featuring contemporary artists and exploring various themes and movements in modern art.

Visiting the Guggenheim is not just about seeing art; it’s about experiencing it. The museum’s unique design encourages a different kind of interaction with the art on display. As you walk up the spiraling ramp, you are not simply moving from one exhibit to the next; you are part of a continuous journey through artistic expression. The natural light filtering through the oculus at the top of the rotunda adds to the experience, creating a play of light and shadow that changes throughout the day.

Date visited: October 23, 2022

Exhibition: Alex Katz, Gathering

 

Art museum: Atelier des Lumières, Paris, France

If going to Paris, I would strongly recommend a visit to Atelier des Lumières. Appearing several times in the Netflix series Emily in Paris, this museum is unlike any other art experience. Opening in 2018, Atelier des Lumières is not a traditional art gallery. Instead of static paintings hanging on walls, it offers dynamic, immersive exhibitions where art is projected onto every surface – walls, floors, and ceilings. This 360-degree experience is enhanced by synchronized music, creating an all-encompassing atmosphere that transports visitors into the world of the featured artists.

Upon entering the darkened space, you're immediately enveloped in light and sound. The projected images shift and move, creating an almost cinematic effect. The sheer scale of the projections allows for an intimate exploration of the details within the artworks, from the delicate brushstrokes to the intricate patterns.

The accompanying music, carefully selected to complement the visual experience, plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Whether it’s the haunting strains of classical compositions or more modern, ambient sounds, the audio component enhances the emotional impact of the visuals.

Date visited: April 1, 2022.

 

Art museum: Lousiana Museum of Modern Art, Copenhagen, Denmark

Located north of Copenhagen, by the village of Humlebæk, lies a cultural gem that seamlessly merges art with nature: the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art.

The Louisiana Museum isn't just a place to view art; it's an immersive experience that begins the moment you approach its grounds. Set amidst lush greenery and overlooking the Øresund waters, the museum's architecture, characterized by clean lines and expansive glass windows, seems to blend effortlessly with the surrounding landscape. Designed to invite the outdoors in, the museum's layout encourages visitors to explore both the indoor galleries and the outdoor sculpture park, blurring the boundaries between art and nature.

I have visited Lousiana multiple times. Each time I have been overwhelmed by the quality of the current exhibition and the permanent collection of modern and contemporary art spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, including iconic works by masters such as Picasso, Warhol, and Lichtenstein.